I have had private testing over the 10 yrs I've been sick. Each year I've tested for at least one active virus at times when I was really ill. So I know when I have the same symptoms its a virus (plus other infections) causing it. Last year on testing I had 4 active herpes viruses.
I suggested Famvir as an alternative to Acyclovir to someone already diagnosed with shingles, its something that can be asked for on prescription if someone has shingles....will they get it in the UK on the NHS, I haven't a clue, probably not, but the point is we no longer have to be unaware of what's available to treat medical conditions. I would get as much info on chronic shingles and antivirals as I could and present it to the doctor if that was the route I wanted to go down.
Most of the people on here have been sick for many years without any help. I search and search the internet, join groups, look for people more informed than me....just like many do. I maybe take it for granted that others do the same and that's where the only problem is that I can see....
As for the research on ME and shingles, well for me is it such a leap from some of the top ME doctors linking EBV (another herpes virus) to ME and shingles and ME...no.
BTB - my best friend was so upset when she was told she was being taken off a cancer trial drug by the hospital, she got shingles the next day. 3 months ago my brother got shingles the day after being told his wife had terminal pancreatic cancer.
Anecdotal of course - to my simple mind - stress puts strain on the immune system so the latent viruses can re-activate. Same with bacterial infections, keep the immune system busy and the viruses flourish too.
Its never just viruses, the body can cope with those on its own, something else has to be overwhelming the immune system, but keeping the viruses down by using antivirals/supplements means that the immune system can work better.
I suggested Famvir as an alternative to Acyclovir to someone already diagnosed with shingles, its something that can be asked for on prescription if someone has shingles....will they get it in the UK on the NHS, I haven't a clue, probably not, but the point is we no longer have to be unaware of what's available to treat medical conditions. I would get as much info on chronic shingles and antivirals as I could and present it to the doctor if that was the route I wanted to go down.
Most of the people on here have been sick for many years without any help. I search and search the internet, join groups, look for people more informed than me....just like many do. I maybe take it for granted that others do the same and that's where the only problem is that I can see....
As for the research on ME and shingles, well for me is it such a leap from some of the top ME doctors linking EBV (another herpes virus) to ME and shingles and ME...no.
BTB - my best friend was so upset when she was told she was being taken off a cancer trial drug by the hospital, she got shingles the next day. 3 months ago my brother got shingles the day after being told his wife had terminal pancreatic cancer.
Anecdotal of course - to my simple mind - stress puts strain on the immune system so the latent viruses can re-activate. Same with bacterial infections, keep the immune system busy and the viruses flourish too.
Its never just viruses, the body can cope with those on its own, something else has to be overwhelming the immune system, but keeping the viruses down by using antivirals/supplements means that the immune system can work better.